VW MK7 Golf R Wheels
Lightweight forged & flow formed APEX wheels for your 2015-2021 VW MK7 Golf R
Construction Type
AllFinish: Anthracite
Overview
MK7 Golf R Wheel Performance
The MK7 Golf R’s main party piece is its Haldex AWD system, which helps maintain traction and put the power down at all four corners of the car. From the factory, the OEM MK7 Golf R wheels leave a bit to be desired from both an aesthetic and performance standpoint. While the stock square setup allows for a more neutral handling balance at the limit, the OEM wheel/tire sizes tend to find that limit a bit sooner than they should. If you want to fully take advantage of your MK7 R’s chassis and drivetrain, a set of Apex MK7 Golf R wheels in a wide and aggressive fitment will allow you to do just that. We created forged wheels such as the Apex VS-5RS, and flow formed wheels such as the SM-10 to increase overall performance. You can check out all of our offerings for MK7 Golf R wheels via our chassis specific MK7 Golf R Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide.
History of the MK7 Golf R
Prior to picking out your preferred set of MK7 Golf R wheels, let’s take a look at what makes the newest generation of VW’s flagship hot hatch such a solid performer both on the street and at the track.
The 7th generation Golf R was sold through the model years of 2015-2021 and has developed a strong reputation in the VW enthusiast community since its initial release. Offered only in a 5-door hatchback in North American markets, the MK7 Golf R packs a punch for being such a compact and practical vehicle. Utilizing a 2.0T pushing just shy of 300hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the MK7 Golf R is able to get off the line incredibly quickly by sending all of that power through a Haldex AWD system. Throughout its lifecycle the MK7 Golf R was offered with three different transmission options, initially a 6-speed manual and 6-speed DSG, and following the MK7.5 refresh, a new 7-speed DSG option was introduced.
The MK7 Golf R offers a ton of practicality and performance in a compact and reasonably priced package. Taking into account the Haldex AWD and high-output, yet relatively fuel efficient E888 turbo 4-cylinder motor, it makes a lot of sense as to why these cars have been favored so much by “every day enthusiasts” over the years. The MK7 Golf R can really “do it all”, as it makes a fantastic daily-driver, a solid track car, and can handle inclement winter driving without skipping a beat. If you want to build upon everything that makes these cars such great performers, a set of MK7 Golf R wheels will be the best first mod you can do.
If you want to learn more about the in’s and out’s of the MK7 Golf R, Hotcars wrote up a great article highlighting all of their favorite attributes of VW’s 7th generation hot hatch. You can read their opinion piece: Hotcars: What We Love About The MK7 Golf R
MK7 Gallery
- VW Golf R MK7
- VW Golf R MK7
- VW Golf R MK7
- VW Golf R MK7
- VW Golf R MK7
- VW Golf R MK7
- VW Golf R MK7
- VW Golf R MK7
- VW Golf R MK7
- VW Golf R MK7
SM-10 Specifications



Fitment guides
Which Wheels Should I Get?
Check out our Fitment Guides, the most in-depth, authoritative guides for wheel and tire fitments, tailored for your vehicle and how you drive it.
SM-10 features
The Flow Form Advantage
Flow forming enables us to create high performance wheels without the price premium of forging. It improves the mechanical properties and grain structure of the barrel, increasing its strength and stiffness, which allows us to use less material and reduce weight. Thanks to our superior engineering, our flow formed wheels have a higher load rating than some competitors' forged wheels.

"I" Beam Spokes
One of the most prominent features of the SM-10 is its advanced "I" beam spoke machining. Any excess material that doesn’t add strength is carved out from the sides of the spokes using a precision CNC ball cutter. This process is often deemed cost-prohibitive by others, but for performance without compromise we believe it's essential.

Bigger, Tougher Inner Lip
The inner lip is the most vulnerable part of a wheel because it has no spokes for support. Our Flow Formed Evolution line adds more material to this high-impact area as an extra layer of protection against track berms, potholes, and whatever else the road may throw at you.

Maximizing Concavity
We use the deepest concave face profiles we can for every application after factoring in critical clearances such as brake calipers. The SM-10 utilizes 3 unique profiles to make this possible, with the deepest concave face delivering reduced weight and a stunningly aggressive appearance.

Big Brake Clearance
Big brakes often require bigger, heavier, more expensive wheels, which aren’t ideal in a performance environment. The SM-10 is one of our many wheels which solve this problem. Through comprehensive laser scanning and endless rounds of test-fitting, we’ve created 18” wheels to clear huge brakes that typically require 19” wheels from other manufacturers.

Weight Optimized
We conducted extensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to reinforce high-stress areas and to remove material where it didn’t improve strength. The result is a wheel that is exceptionally light without the strength compromises found on typical lightweight wheels.²

Built for Impact Sockets
Track wheels need track tools. Don’t settle for wheels that require undersized tuner lugs or thin walled sockets. All APEX wheels accommodate over-sized race lugs and impact sockets to make swapping wheels lightning fast.
32mm
Socket Diameter Clearance

Finishing Touches
The SM-10 is finished using a multi-stage liquid paint over a powder coated base coat. This coating process leaves lug holes, center bores and mounting pads untouched, which ensures proper fit and torque values.

JWL and Beyond
All APEX Flow Formed wheels meet or meaningfully exceed JWL load rating requirements. Some manufacturers don't meet the minimum requirements, yet still claim to be compliant. Always compare load ratings to ensure you aren’t sacrificing critical strength for a slightly lighter wheel.

True VIA
The VIA is an independent wheel testing and auditing agency similar to TÜV. Many companies falsely claim their wheels have been certified, and even use the VIA stamp without permission. Our Flow Formed wheels have been certified, and we provide the registration numbers for every wheel. Protect yourself. Demand registration numbers from manufacturers.

Additional features

Hub Centric
All SM-10 wheels are purpose built for select vehicle applications. Very few applications require centering rings.

Center Caps
All APEX wheels come with our gloss black cap included that is interchangeable with the OE cap. We also offer additional colors for select fitments.

Wheel Hardware
APEX wheels can be used with all OEM mounting hardware, proper aftermarket hardware and most wheel spacers. Wheel locks and stud conversion kits also work perfectly.

TPMS
All APEX wheels accept OEM and aftermarket Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors and standard fit valve stems. If you don’t have sensors, then select from our metal stems available in multiple finishes.


REAL DRIVERS NEED REAL PERFORMANCE.
Not all claims of performance are backed up by facts—and it's a big problem. Don't get sold fashion when you want function.

A Wheel You Can Depend On
Accidental damage replacement
Curb rash or pothole damage on the street? Make an oopsie at the track? We’ve all been there. APEX is proud to offer 50% off replacement wheels, no matter the damage.
Lifetime warranty
All APEX wheels come with a lifetime structural warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, plus a 1 year finish warranty. Exchanges are fast, easy, and hassle-free.
¹ All wheels compared with equivalent 18x10” ET25 5x120mm /72.56mm fitment
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